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Post Office workers go on strike over jobs, pay and closures

The outlet on Alcester Road in Kings Heath could be closed under the plans. Photo: Credit: ITV Central

Post Office workers around the UK were on strike on Saturday in a row over jobs, pay and closures.

Members of the Communication Workers Union (CWU) in around 370 so-called Crown offices took industrial action in protest at plans to close or franchise 70 branches.

The union said the walkout was "solidly" supported by thousands of its members, with picket lines set up outside post offices across the country.

Dave Ward, the CWU's deputy general secretary, said: “The Post Office's plans are short-sighted and would rob the network of the most productive offices while simultaneously putting hundreds of jobs at risk and potentially damaging local economies."

One person explains why they took the decision to go on strike:

In response to the strikes, the Post Office issued the following statement:

Crown branches are currently losing £40 million per year and this is being subsidised by public money. This cannot continue.

We are committed to the Post Office remaining a key part of UK high streets and our plans ensure this will happen.

– Post Office spokesperson

Communication Workers Union (CWU) national official Andy Furey said: "Our members have sent a strong message to Post Office management today by solidly supporting strike action against closures, job losses, and pay.

"We hope the Post Office listens to the concerns of their staff. They can avoid further disruption by agreeing to negotiations to resolve this dispute.”

The Post Office said that 11,500 of its branches were "unaffected" by strike action.